Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Good morning, good afternoon and welcome to GulfWeekly's new riding column, the purpose of which is to keep readers up-to-date on this year's equestrian events, tracking whose who and what's what within the Bahrain riding community and elsewhere. When Alysha Henry is not drumming up support for the season ahead, her column will act as a general forum for horsey chit-chat.
For those of you who don't know me, my name is Alysha Henry and I have been a resident in Bahrain for as long as I can remember. For those of you who do know me, you're probably wondering what on earth I'm doing writing a wee column for GulfWeekly (and why I haven't been out and about on my black steed, Lanzar).
Well, I have some exciting news for you all, come May 2009 I shall have my very own little rider to look after, yes, I'm going to be a mum.
My ever growing bump does, of course, limit my riding, however, the column is a cunning means to keeping me in jodhpurs (albeit slightly bigger ones now) armed with a pad, pen and camera rather than my mount. For the next six months my adrenaline rush shall come from supporting my fellow riders, which is often more nerve-racking than actually competing!
Many of you will be aware that the riding season has already kick started into action, with riders and mounts fresh from summer holidays and revved up for what will be an exciting competitive year.
Last year was witness to a very successful dressage league testing both horse and rider and providing some stunning performances from our junior riders right through to our more advanced riders. Not to disappoint, the league has started up again and the 2008/2009 Twin Palms Dressage League has already wowed spectators with its first event held on October 24 at Twin Palms Riding Centre.
True to form, the sun was out and shining brightly, making it a hot day for horse and rider. However, all who competed were immaculately turned out and impressed many a judge. On the showjumping front the Public Security Mounted Police (in Budaiya) held its first show on November 7, attracting this year's brave and enthusiastic, for what was an exciting day. If you haven't been to the ground it's a must for next time, not only to see brilliant riders and daring horses in action, but to see them doing it on grass, which for many a horse here is a strange experience.
So there you have it everyone, a brief introduction of who I am and what's to come. If you have a riding event you would like me to inform Bahrain about then please email and let me know. If you have a specific topic you want to discuss, again let me know and I shall jump-start the discussion, opening the forum to the rest of the community - riders and non-riders alike.
Riding is an important sport in Bahrain and a fantastic one for those involved and those supporting, so be sure to keep yourself updated and show your support for this season's competitors.
Make sure you read next week's column when I highlight all the news and gossip from the recent Twin Palms Show.
Email: alysha.henry@
googlemail.com
